unravel
verb
un·rav·el
ˌən-ˈra-vəl 
unraveled; unraveling; unravels
1
a
: to disengage or separate the threads of : disentangle
b
: to cause to come apart by or as if by separating the threads of
2
: to resolve the intricacy, complexity, or obscurity of : clear up
unravel a mystery
: to become unraveled
Examples of unravel in a Sentence
Scientists are still unraveling the secrets of DNA.
Their plans unraveled when she lost her job.
His frequent absences from home caused his marriage to unravel.
I feel like my life is unraveling.
Recent Examples on the Web
The high-stakes tale centers on estranged Brooklyn brothers and restaurant co-founders Jake (Law) and Vince Friedken (Bateman) and the chaos that unravels after Vince unexpectedly returns home.
—
Giana Levy, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025
As the subterranean situation deteriorates, the deceptions Max’s and Ane’s parents have been weaving since their own teen years to protect their egos and easy lives unravel along with their lavish aboveground lifestyles.
—Judy Berman, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
The police set up surveillance around their home to catch the voyeur, but tensions within the family rise as secrets unravel under the scrutiny of eyes watching them from all sides.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025
This latest research also provides fresh clues that may unravel a broader enduring mystery surrounding the site where the specimens were found.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unravel
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Giana Levy, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025
As the subterranean situation deteriorates, the deceptions Max’s and Ane’s parents have been weaving since their own teen years to protect their egos and easy lives unravel along with their lavish aboveground lifestyles.
—Judy Berman, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
The police set up surveillance around their home to catch the voyeur, but tensions within the family rise as secrets unravel under the scrutiny of eyes watching them from all sides.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025
This latest research also provides fresh clues that may unravel a broader enduring mystery surrounding the site where the specimens were found.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unravel
Cite this Entry
“Unravel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unravel. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unravel
verb
un·rav·el
ˌən-ˈrav-əl
ˈən-
1
: to separate the threads of : disentangle
unravel a snarl
2
: solve
unravel a mystery
3
: to become unraveled
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